Washington, DC, USA:  US Senator Lindsey Graham has issued a stern warning that India could face repercussions for maintaining ties with Russia during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. In a post on social media platform X, Graham reacted to Moscow’s latest strike on Ukraine, blaming nations such as India, China, and Brazil for indirectly sustaining the war by purchasing discounted Russian crude.

By opting for cheaper oil from Russia, you are helping Putin drag this war on. Innocent civilians, including children, are losing their lives as a result. India is already bearing the cost of siding with Putin, and eventually, the rest of the world will pay as well, Graham stated.

During his appearance on NBC’s Meet the Press, the senator highlighted the importance of targeting countries still importing Russian fuel. “If Russia is cut off from oil and gas revenues, its economy will collapse. That’s why we must counter India, China, and Brazil,” he stressed. Graham had earlier appealed to the European Union to prevent Russian oil from being rerouted through India.

His comments followed a devastating missile attack on Kyiv, which killed 23 civilians and caused major damage to the EU embassy, according to Euro News. The strike drew sharp criticism globally. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that children were among those killed, condemning it as yet another ruthless attack on Ukraine’s people and cities.

Meanwhile, India’s Commerce Department sought to ease concerns about the long-term effects of potential US trade measures, pointing out that tariffs would largely impact sectors like textiles, chemicals, and machinery. Officials said the broader effect on overall trade and GDP would be minimal, although industry groups reported facing liquidity challenges and fewer new orders.